Canning constructs a solid foundation

Gavin Cummiskey talks to Portumna's Joe Canning who is likely to make a major impact for Galway in the near future

Galway was the obvious setting for yesterday's launch of the 2007 AIB club championships as both the football and hurling titles have resided in Salthill-Knocknacarra and Portumna, respectively, these past seven months.

It was the year of the Tribesmen at club level, but Salthill will not be defending their football crown next St Patrick's Day having been ousted from the county championship. However, Portumna remain on course for a third county title in four years.

Portumna, and their recent graduate from minor level Joe Canning, face Craughwell this Sunday in the Galway championship semi-finals, which will have one Ger Loughnane in attendance.

The latest Canning - big brother Ollie is already an established hurler - created quite a stir at club, minor and under-21 level these past 12 months, but he was quick to play down any impending hype about a promotion to Loughnane's first panel.

"Ah, I don't think so. Not this year. I'm not 18 until next week so I've still a good few years left hopefully. We'll see how it goes. Stay with the club first and we'll see what happens after that."

Canning will certainly be drafted into Fitzgibbon Cup duties having just started first year in Construction Studies at Limerick IT. The physique of the player makes it easy to forget he is yet to turn 18. The composure he exudes in front of a battalion of dictaphones is equally impressive as he confidently outlines his views on how the club championship structures can be improved.

"I have notions about whether they could put a league format during the summer for the championship. It's hard to know really."

Comparisons with current Leinster rugby sensation Luke Fitzgerald are unavoidable as both are threatening to become household names in their respective sports before they leave their teens. They met at an underage awards ceremony recently and Canning was able to swap rugby stories having spearheaded Ballinasloe to an under-18 All-Ireland title. He was a fairly intimidating outhalf who could kick off either foot.

Rugby and all other sports have been sidelined as his hurling destiny takes over.

Providing Sunday's obstacle is overcome, the club will require Canning's undoubted skills, while the under-21s will be another definite destination come the New Year. And maybe a call from Loughnane as the summer approaches. This question has been broached before, but how does he serve so many masters?

"I don't find it too bad. With the club anyway they are fairly reasonable with the training. They don't try to burn me out or anything so if I ever need a night off they give it to me. They (the managers) all try and work together so even with the under-21s I was left to the minors until a week before the championship."

What does he make of Ger Loughnane's arrival on the county scene?

"We were asking for a change for a good while and, hopefully, it will bring in a bit more professionalism to the county. I don't think it was as bad as people say, remember we got to an All-Ireland final two years ago. Kilkenny fairly gave us a roasting this year, but they were looking for revenge for the previous year.

"We've won a few minors the last few years (Canning collected two in three attempts) and an under-21 last year. I think hurling is as strong in Galway as it is any other county."

Canning is certain to strengthen up the senior full-forward line.

Eventually.